Clio vs MyCase for a small law firm
By the InTheory team · Updated November 2026
Short answer: Both are capable practice management platforms for small firms. Clio has the larger ecosystem, AI built into plans from Core up, and an Elite tier that adds Clio Grow for intake and client acquisition. MyCase publishes straightforward per-user pricing, bundles intake, texting and AI writing help into its Pro tier, and offers built-in accounting as an add-on. Trial both with your actual matters and billing setup.
| Clio | MyCase | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Starter, Core, Signature, Elite | Basic, Pro, Advanced |
| Pricing visibility | Starting price listed; higher tiers via pricing request | Per-user prices published for each tier |
| AI features | AI included on Core and above, such as drafting bills and client updates | 8am IQ writing and document assistant on Pro; case and discovery assistants on Advanced |
| Intake and CRM | Clio Grow included in Elite | Client intake forms and legal CRM on Pro |
| Trust accounting | Built into Clio Manage from Starter | Trust accounting from Basic; MyCase Accounting add-on on Pro and Advanced |
| Payments | Online payments built in | LawPay payments integrated |
| Trial | Free trial, no credit card | Free trial, no credit card |
How to choose between two good options
The deciding factors are usually your billing model, intake volume and the integrations you rely on. A personal injury firm with heavy intake may value MyCase Pro's intake forms and texting, or Clio Elite's Grow suite. A firm with complex billing and many integrations may lean toward Clio's ecosystem. Run real matters through each during the trial, including a trust transaction and an invoice.
AI features and confidentiality
Both now market built-in AI. Before turning it on, read ABA Formal Opinion 512 and your state bar's guidance, decide which matters and data types are in scope, and confirm what the vendor does with your data. Lawyers remain responsible for reviewing AI output, so build review into the workflow.
Measure whether AI-drafted bills or client updates actually reduce time per task and how often they need correction.
Settings before switching
Many frustrations with either platform come from setup: unused templates, missing automated reminders, inconsistent matter stages. A configuration review of your current system may solve the problem without a migration. If you do switch, plan data migration carefully, especially trust balances and document history.
Choose Clio if
- You want the largest ecosystem of integrations
- You want intake and client acquisition tools in the same vendor through Elite
- Your firm expects to grow and add roles and permissions
- You want AI drafting of bills and client updates included on Core and up
Choose MyCase if
- You want simple, published per-user pricing
- You want intake, texting and AI writing help bundled at the Pro tier
- You prefer an all-in-one platform with optional built-in accounting
- You use LawPay and want payments integrated
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Clio or MyCase?
It depends on the tier and features you need. MyCase publishes per-user prices for each plan. Clio lists a starting price and offers pricing on request for higher tiers. Compare the tier that covers your actual needs, including payments and accounting add-ons.
Can I use AI in Clio or MyCase with client data?
Both offer built-in AI tools. Your duties of confidentiality and competence still apply. Review ABA Formal Opinion 512, your state bar guidance and the vendor's data terms, and get advice for your firm's situation.
How hard is it to switch between them?
Both vendors offer migration help, but expect work on matter data, documents, contacts and especially trust balances. Plan the move between billing cycles, reconcile trust accounts before and after, and train staff on the new workflows.